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The farmingfriends website was set up at the end of 2006 and started as a diary of daily life on the farm but has grown into an online magazine and forum community packed with information, resources and products relating to farming, keeping livestock, food and nature. If you are a farmer, smallholder, animal enthusiast, parent, child or anyone interested in animals and the farming lifestyle, then the Farming Friends website and forum is for you.

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Hen Eggs

Here is a set of instructions for how to incubate hen eggs in an incubator without an automatic egg turner. Collect 6 to 12 fertile hen eggs. Store with the pointed end of egg facing down. Plug in the incubator the day before adding eggs to make sure it is working. Add water to the … Read more

I am often asked why hens eat their eggs. Egg eating can begin when a hen finds a broken egg. They get a taste for the eggs, they really love the egg yolk and I wonder if this has nutrients in it that they crave. Sometimes they do it out of boredom. Here are some … Read more

Having hens, ducks, guinea fowl and quail on the farm, means that we regularly have an abundance of eggs to use up. Here is a list of recipes using eggs: Asparagus And Soft Boiled Guinea Fowl Eggs Recipe Avocado And Egg Mayonnaise Blueberry Baked French Toast Recipe From Helene At Once Upon A Pine Cauliflower … Read more

I received this question about runny egg whites. I keep a few free range hens,recently the whites of the eggs have become runny. Nothing has changed in any way, feed or conditions. Any idea what I can do? They just splash across the pan now when fried. Thanks. James This was my response: Hi James, … Read more

I have been asked if my eggs are seasonal or if I have eggs all year round. Do you have eggs all the year round. Or are they seasonal? If so, how many months of the year do you have eggs for? Many thanks Sally This is an interesting question. I have free range hens … Read more

A double yolked egg is an egg that has two yolks. It is caused by two eggs separating from the ovary at the same time and joining into one egg. Double yolked eggs can be fairly rare. They are sometimes produced by pullets in their first year of laying. Double yolked eggs can be produced … Read more

A way to tell if a hen egg is fertilised and if a chick is growing inside is to candle the egg. Candling is a way of checking the fertility of an egg and the development of the embryo, with the use of a light source in a darkened room. In a darkened room, carefully … Read more

Incubation Period The incubation period for chicken eggs is 21 days. Incubation Temperature The temperature in the incubator for chicken eggs is 99.5 degrees fahrenheit. Humidity Levels The humidity level (wet bulb thermometer) for chicken eggs is 85-87 degrees fahrenheit. Final Day Of Egg Rotation The final day of egg rotation for chicken eggs is day 19. Please note … Read more